BBC Sports Norwich City: Rangers links heighten the need for Ollie Skipp 2.0.
Few loan signings have ever had the impact on Norwich City as Ollie Skipp had in the 2020/21 Championship season, and with Rangers connected with Kenny McLean in practically every window, the Canaries should be on the lookout for someone like him.
The Tottenham Hotspur academy prospect joined Norwich in the summer before the 20/21 season. He “pushed” to play normal football every week.
He played 45 games and was chosen to the PFA Championship Team of the Year, contributing significantly to Daniel Farke’s second Championship title-winning season.
That season, McLean was his defensive midfield adversary. The combination were a powerful force, frequently dictating play and allowing Farke’s more aggressive outlets to flourish.
The steely Scotsman is still one of Norwich’s most important players, although his childhood club Rangers have repeatedly been cited as an interested party, implying that a Skipp 2.0 should be considered by the Canaries’ officials.
Ollie Skipper was “top quality” for Norwich City.
They say you shouldn’t fall in love with a loan player. When it comes to Skipp, this statement couldn’t be more appropriate for Norwich City fans and players alike.
Throughout Skipp’s time at Norwich, club captain Grant Hanley couldn’t have been more positive.
He went on: “He looks like he’s played at the top level for 10 to 15 years, it’s hard to think he’s so young.”
Tim Krul expressed support for the loanee on Instagram, asking him to stay with the club after promotion to the Premier League. Many supporters may also recall the custodian leading the shout “Ollie Skipp, we want you to stay” during the celebrations.
Skipp was unable to play in front of a crowded Carrow Road for Norwich because to Covid-19 limits imposed during his first season. However, he was a big favourite in Norfolk, and the statistics show why.
| Ollie Skipp Championship stats for Norwich City, according to FotMob | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 45 (3,859 mins) |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Tackles won | 56 |
| Duels won | 255 |
| Chances created | 27 |
| Recoveries | 240 |
| Possession won in final third | 8 |
According to Hanley, Skipp excelled at identifying the “ugly” aspects of the game. He would pick up loose balls and make tackles while still being able to play the ball forward in a high-intensity, possession-based club.Overall, the loan could not have been more beneficial to all parties.Skipp stated that the transfer “helped to create the player you see today,” while Farke allegedly considered his services again at Leeds this summer.Canaries supporters had hoped Skipp would return to Carrow Road throughout each transfer window. However, he joined Premier League club Leicester City for £20 million, making it out of reach for the Norfolk side.
If Kenny McLean leaves, Norwich City will need another Ollie Skipp-level signing.
McClean is one of Norwich City’s most steady and key characters. They haven’t won a game during his latest ban.
In 2021, he expressed interest in playing for Rangers. If the Scottish club offers a good money and a safe contract, it’s unlikely he’ll decline.
Despite McLean’s consistent good presence in the Norwich team, the club has never been able to replicate the defensive midfield tandem from the 20/21 season.
Norwich City has been manageable without Skipp, thanks in part to McLean’s ability to step up when necessary, but they haven’t reached the heights they did with both since.If Sporting Director Ben Knapper can bring in an Ollie Skipp-level midfielder if McLean departs, Norwich City fans may feel more at ease.
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